All projects undertaken at the University of Canberra that involve the use of animals either for research, teaching or other experimental study in which animals are used must be approved by the Committee for Ethics in Animal Experimentation.

An animal is defined as any vertebrate (other than a human being) and includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

The ACT Animal Welfare Act (1992) and the Code of Practice for the Care and use of Animals for Scientific Purposes stipulate that approval must be obtained from the institutional ACEC before animals are used for research or teaching. This legislation was introduced to protect the welfare of animals, by ensuring that their use in research and teaching is always humane, considerate, responsible and justified.

The Terms of Reference outlines the purpose and the role of the committee of Ethics in Animal Experimentation

Who Applies?

Ethics approval must be obtained by the Chief Investigator on behalf of all those involved with animals on a particular project. The Chief Investigator must be a member of staff of the University or the ACT Wildlife Unit of Environment ACT or other Accredited Research Establishment for which the Committee acts as the nominated ethics committee.

Students

When a project involves a student proceeding to a higher degree, the Student's Supervisor must be listed as one of the Chief Investigators in the application. For a practical class involving the use of animals, the staff member responsible for that class is the Chief Investigator. The group of students participating in the class are identified by the Chief Investigator in the application to the ACEC and are covered by the ACEC approval. However, the responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in that application rests solely with the Chief Investigator.

The Application Process

Applying for Ethics clearance is a 2 part process. Firstly the researchers must be authorised to conduct experiments in which animals are used and secondly, the project itself must be approved by the ethics committee. Application forms for both elements of the process are available below.

Closing Dates for Applications

The Committee for Ethics in Animal Experimentation meets on 6 occasions each year.

Details of meeting dates and membership are available below. 

Applications can be sent electronically to animal.ethics@canberra.edu.au and signed hard copies are to be forwarded to the Secretary by the closing date.

Further Information

The Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) was established in 1987 in response to concerns in both the wider and the scientific communities about the use of animals in research and teaching.

ANZCCART is an independent body which has been developed to provide a national focus for these issues. 

Further information on the issues surrounding the use of animals in experiments can be gained by visiting the ANZCCART web site.

For further information on Model standard operating procedures for the humane research of pest animals in Australian.  

Forms

• Application for Approval to use Animals in Projects (RTF 1.67MB)
• SAMPLE Application for Authorisation to Conduct Experiments Using Animals
  • Undergraduate Research (RTF)
  • Postdoctoral Research (RTF) 
  • Professorial Research (RTF)
• Application for Authorisation to Conduct Experiments Using Animals (RTF 1MB)
• Annual Review - Projects using Animals (RTF 1.40MB)
• Captive Tag (RTF 3.69MB)
• End Project Report (RTF 1.29MB)
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Application (RTF 1.22MB)